Can I Use Linseed Oil on Leather Boots?

Linseed oil has an excellent moisturizing property and is therefore used to condition damaged leather goods!

But, a point to remember is that linseed oil is very thick and can leave behind a thick sticky residue on your leather boots if used in excess quantity and not removed from the leather after the conditioning process.

Many of my readers do often ask me; “Is it safe to use linseed oil on my leather boots?”

To which I reply…

Yes, you can definitely use linseed oil on your leather boots and its completely safe if used in the right amount and the needful after cleaning of the oil is done. Linseed oil is a very good moisturizing agent and conditions the leather goods very well too. Not only this, linseed oil also adds shine to the leather if buffed properly after the conditioning process!

However, as every coin has the other side, so do linseed oil!

Therefore, in this article I am going to tell you about the pros and cons of using linseed oil so that you can decide the best for your boots. Also, you will get to know how to use linseed oil on your boots; the correct way, how to remove the excess linseed oil from the leather boots, comparison of linseed oil, mineral oil and coconut oil for leather boots, and recommended linseed oil by our experts for your beloved leather boots!

Why wait?

Let’s start retrospection on the use of linseed oil on leather boots… 

How to use linseed oil on leather boots?

Linseed oil if used in excess can stain and rot the leather gradually. Therefore, you need to know the correct procedure of applying linseed oil on your leather boots:

Steps to follow:

• • 1. Clean your boots with a soft lint free cloth to remove the surface dirt and dust from the leather boots
    2. If your boots are still dirty, then apply soap-water solution on the boots with the help of a clean lint free cloth. Remove the soapy solution from the leather with the help of a wet cloth
    3. Dry the boots with the help of a hair dryer or a boot dryer
    4. Once the boots ate dry, take a few drops of linseed oil on a piece of lint free cloth and massage in small circular motions gently on the leather boots
    5. Continue to massage in small circular motions until you have covered the entire boots. Do not forget to apply the linseed oil on the soles and the edges of the boots as well. This will give a polished look to the leather boots
    6. Leave in the oil on the boots for 15 to 20 minutes
    7. After the oil has soaked into the leather boots, its time to take the excess oil off the leather
    8. Once again take a clean dry lint free cloth and start massaging in small circular motions on the boots. This will remove the excess oil from the leather surface
    9. Lastly, buff the leather boots with the aid of a buffing brush or you can use a cloth for this purpose too

Pros and cons of using linseed oil on leather boots

Here I am going to share with you some pros and cons of using linseed oil on your leather boots so that you can decide if it’s good for your boots:

Pros of using linseed oil on leather boots:

• • • Linseed oil helps to prevent mold growth on leather boots by penetrating deep into the leather pores
    • As linseed oil penetrates deep into the pores of the leather, it kind of creates a barrier to repel water and dust from entering the leather surface. Therefore, linseed oil acts an excellent weather barrier for the leather goods
    • Linseed oil has a treasure of natural oils in it and therefore, when massaged into the leather, it helps to make the leather soft and supple
    • Linseed oil is thick in nature and therefore, moisturizes the leather very well
    • Linseed oil is an excellent conditioning agent as well. It helps to lubricate and protect the leather fibers
    • Linseed oil prevents the leather from drying out by replenishing the natural of the leather
    • Linseed oil is all natural and does not contain any toxic substances and is therefore, safe for your leather boots

Cons of using linseed oil on leather boots:

• • • Linseed oil can stain the light-colored leather boots
    • Linseed oil can rot the leather due its high content of natural oils. But this will happen only if you apply the oil regularly and in excess amount
    • Linseed oil leaves behind a smell which is not liked by all
    • Linseed oil can leave behind a thick sticky residue if applied sparingly on leather boots which is not good for the leather in the long run

Can linseed oil be used to soften leather?

Yes, linseed oil can definitely be used to soften leather as linseed oil contains a high content of natural oils in it which lubricates, moisturizes, conditions and softens the leather fibers.

The natural oils in the linseed oil penetrates deep into the leather pores and softens the fibers overtime.

How do you remove linseed oil from leather?

Linseed oil if applied in excess can discolor the leather! Therefore, it becomes necessary to remove any excess linseed oil from the leather as soon as possible. And here’s how you can do it:

• • 1. First of all, rub off the excess linseed oil from the leather boots with the help of a clean lint free cloth
    2. Then sprinkle talcum powder on the oil-stained areas of the boots so that the powder soaks in all the oil from the pores of the boots
    3. Again, take the lint free cloth and remove the talcum powder from the boots
    4. Now take a bowl and mix soap-water solution in it
    5. Using the lint free cloth dipped in soap-water solution, clean the boots off any remaining linseed oil
    6. Wash the leather boots off the soap-water solution. You can run the boots under water or you can clean the soap-water solution with the help of lint free cloth dipped in clean water
    7. Dry the boots using the dryer and you are done of removing linseed oil from your leather boots

Comparison of linseed oil, mineral oil and coconut oil on leather boots

Recommended linseed oil on leather boots

Here’s a list of Top 3 linseed oil for your leather boots recommended by our experts:

1.) Linseed Oil | Linum Usitatissimum | 100% Pure Natural

2.) Naissance Certified Organic Virgin Flaxseed (Linseed) Oil 16 fl oz – Pure & Natural, Unrefined, Vegan, Hexane Free, Non GMO

3.) R V Essential Pure Linseed Carrier Oil 100ml (3.38oz)- Linum Usitatissimum (100% Pure and Natural Cold Pressed)

It’s time to bid Adieu!

Point to note: Never and I say never use boiled linseed oil on your leather boots and they are sure to ruin your leather boots by staining them forever!

The best linseed oils for leather boots are the cold pressed ones and the ones you use for cooking as well!

That’s all for this article!

See you soon in our next column and bidding goodbye with a prayer that you stay healthy and safe…

And…

Hope you have a great day ahead!